Rib for automobile-bodies.



l. LEDWINKA, RIB FOR AUTOMOBILE BODIES:

APPLICATION FILED ms. 25. I913.

Patented Jan. 1,1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

wmmop \mmwm l. LEDWINKA.

RIB FOR AUTOMOBILE BODIES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 25. I913. 1,251,975. Patented Jan. 1, 191&

2 SHEETS-EH21 STATES. PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH LEDWINKA, OFPIIILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB 'IO EDWARD G- BUDD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA. A COB- ronarron or rennsxnvmu.

BIB FOB AUTOMOBILE-BODIES.

, Ipectflcation of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 1, 1918.

Application filed February 25, 1918. Serial No. 750,524.

tion of automobile bodies, and particularly to the construction and arrangement of strengthening ribs employed in maintaining the shape of the body and maintaining the body rigid. 1'

The object of the invention is to provide a strengthening rib for automobile bodies, which is simple in construction and eflicient in operation, and which lends strength and rigidity to the body.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists in the construction,combination, location, and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth as shown in the accompanying drawing and finally pointed out in the appended claim;

Referring to the accompanying drawings and to the various views and reference signs appearing thereon Figure 1, is a, broken view, in side elevation, of a portion of an automobile body showin the application thereto of .a strengt ening rib, in accordance with the principles of my invention; 4

Fig. 2, is a transverse section of the same on the line 2, 2, Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows. r

Fig. 3, is a broken view, in section, on the line 3, 3, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arows. i

Fig. 4, is a broken view, in section, on

the line t, 4, Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 5, is a broken detail view, 1n perspective, showing a portion of a strengthenin rib, with a reinforcing member applie thereto.

The same part is designated by the. same reference numeral wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

In carrying out my inventionI propose to employ a strengthening rib, preferably made of sheet steel pressed into suitable or convenient angular shapein cross section to secure the desired strength and rigidity, and I arrange the same to extend from the upperedge of one side of the body of the automobile, thence down and underneath the floor thereof, thence transversely across the floor, and thence up to the upper edge of the opposite side of the body. This strengthening rlb is applied to the exterior surface of the frame of the automobile body but is concealed from view by the application over the same of the outer panel or shell of the body. The strengthening rib may be, as above described, of any suitable angular shape in cross section, but in the form shown, I have provided a strengthening rib formed of sheet metal of substantiall U- shape in cross section. M invention, 0 ever, is not to be limite or restricted in respect to the particular an lar cross sectional shape of the sern ening rib. I also propose, in accor ance with the prin ciples of my invention, to apply to the strengthening rib, a reinforcin portion or member of corresponding angu ar shape in cross section at the critical points where strains thereon are liable to occur as for in stance, at the bends thereof, where passin from the vertical side zontal floor portions 0 the vehicle body.

In accordance with my invention, I also propose to applythe strengthening rib structure embodying the features and characteristics above set forth at an suitable or convenient point in. the le'ngt 'of. the automobile body, particularly at points adjacent the door opening thereof, or at any other desired points Referring particularly to the accompanying drawings; referencenumeral 10,-desi nates generally the body of an automobi e body of an automobile and 11, the door thereof. The rib is designated by reference numeral 12. This rib is shown as extending from the to edge as indicated at 14, in Fig. 1, of one si e of the, vehicle body frame, downwardly along said side and thence horizontallyunderneath the floor level of the body frame, and thence u to the upper edge of the body frame on t e opposite side. A strengthening rib constructed and applied as .7 above described afl'ords eatstrength and rigidity to the body 0 the automobile. At the critical point of the ortions to the hon-- strengthening rib a reinforcing member may be employed, such for instance, as the channel member 15, shown most clearly in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5. In the'particular form shown, to which however, my invention is not to be limited, or restricted, this reinforcing member is formed of sheet metal pressed into channel shape so as to conform to the shape of the rib 12. Of course where a rib of any other than channel shape is employed, it will be understood that the reinforcing member will be of similar shape in cross section to conform thereto. Ordinarily, the auxiliary strengthening member will extend only a ortion of t e way transversely across the ottom of the body plane flooring, and only a portion of the way up the vertical side portion of the rib, as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

Where a continuous one-pieced strengthening rib applied to the body frame of the vehicle, as above described, is employed adjacent to the door opening or doorway in the side of the vehicle frame or body, itwill of course, be understood that said rib will be bent into shape to conform to the contour or outline of the doorway opening, as clearly indicated in Fig. 1.- In this relation, of course it will be understood that the body rib portion affords convenient means for attaching the hinges of thedoor thereto.

A continuous one-pieced and stren hening rib constructed and applied as a ove described, is exceedingly efiicient in strengthening the frame of the automobile body and in rendering the same strong and durable. It is preferably formed of sheet steel stamped or pressed into the desired shape, and is capable of being easily applied to the vention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

In an automobile body, a bod frame, a strengthening rib formed of sheet metal pressed into channel shape in cross section and bent into substantially U-shape in the direction of its length, said rib applied to the frame and forming a one piece strengthening member therefor toextend from the top edge of one side of the frame downwardly alongside and transversely across the bottom and thence upwardly to the top edge of the other side of said frame and auxiliary reinforcing members corresponding in cross. section to the channel shape of the strengthening riband fitted into the channel of said rib at the bends thereof, the vertical portions of said rib constituting door posts to receive the hinge connections of the body doors. g

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of the subscribing witnesses, on this 14th day of February A. D., 1913.

JOSEPH LEDVVINKA.

Witnesses:

S. K. THOMPSON,

J. MARMION. 

